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A review by t_stre
Emma by Jane Austen
challenging
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I went into this book thinking it was a romance. But I think the main story surrounds Emma, her misguided romantic matches, and her navigating her shortcomings and growing up. Whereas the romance between Emma and Mr. Knightley felt very much like one of those adhesive bows you stick on top of presents after you’ve already finished wrapping it.
In the end, I did enjoy the flawed characters and the way Austen makes conversations feel to the reader as if they’re part of the gossip. But the very slow beginning was definitely more difficult to get through. I felt that the main romance hadn’t been introduced until the final eighth of the story. I tried hard to love this book.
In the end, I did enjoy the flawed characters and the way Austen makes conversations feel to the reader as if they’re part of the gossip. But the very slow beginning was definitely more difficult to get through. I felt that the main romance hadn’t been introduced until the final eighth of the story. I tried hard to love this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism